SEMA NAMES 2026 SEMA PERSON OF THE YEAR AND CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR

SEMA NAMES 2026 SEMA PERSON OF THE YEAR AND CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR

-- Honorees recognized for leadership, industry service and impact on the automotive aftermarket --

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 6, 2026) - The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced the winners of its Person of the Year andContent Creator of the Year awards:

• 2026 SEMA Person of the Year: Dawson Druesedow (4 Wheel Performance)
• 2026 SEMA Content Creator of the Year: Tom's Refurb (YouTube: tomsrefurb; Instagram: @ogtomsrefurb; TikTok: tomsrefurb; Facebook: tomsrefurb)

Presented at SEMA Industry Honors during the 2026 SEMA Show, these awards recognize industry members for their leadership, service and measurable contributions to the automotive aftermarket during the past year.

"Dawson and Tom have made a significant impact on the automotive aftermarket through industry leadership, hands-on expertise and authentic engagement with enthusiasts," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. "Their work expands participation, strengthens the industry and inspires the next generation."

Dawson Druesedow

Druesedow's business leadership and nearly decade-long record of SEMA service exemplify the passion, leadership and service that define SEMA's Person of the Year. Since founding 4 Wheel Performance in 2005, he has grown the company into a respected business in the off-road and performance industry, while dedicating nearly a decade to advancing the broader aftermarket community. He has served on the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Select Committee since 2017 and currently serves as Chair. Druesedow has consistently demonstrated leadership, collaboration and a commitment to shaping the future of the truck and off-road segment. He also volunteers as a New Products Awards Judge and supports SEMA Cares, where he gives his time to youth, education and charitable outreach.

Tom's Refurb

Tom's Refurb has expanded participation in automotive culture through accessible, entertaining content. Across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, Refurb has built a combined following of roughly 2.4 million by resurrecting abandoned muscle cars on a budget, pairing real mechanical skill with self-deprecating humor and an unpredictable storytelling style that stands apart from typical tutorial content. His authentic craftsmanship, humor and consistent output has made him a fresh, relatable entry point into car culture for a broad audience, the kind of positive, enthusiast-driving impact this award recognizes.

Follow SEMA Newsfor 2026 Show Highlights

The 2026 SEMA Show ends Friday, Nov. 6. Industry professionals can stay up to date on key announcements, event recaps, award winners and show highlights by subscribing to SEMA News at semanews.com.

The SEMA Show is the premier global trade show for automotive aftermarket professionals to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends and develop essential skills. For more information, visit semashow.com.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars, trucks, side-by-sides, and two-wheel vehicles. Additional details are available at www.semashow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

###